Christie said his staff is helping with the takeover. He is confident it will happen because all the significant South Jersey political players are behind it. And to make up for shortfalls in policing due to layoffs, state police will remain in the city until the county creates its force. Here's the exchange:

My Question: How do you know that it will save money? That's a question that's out there. The Timoney report didn't indicate it definitely would. Is it because [police] salaries are definitely going to be lowered? Is it because they're going to pay more toward their benefits? Is that what it comes down to, changing the contracts?

Listen, that's a spot where there is no boulevard (of compromise) to drive on, Matt, and when there is no boulevard to drive on because the folks insist on getting everything they want, which is what the police unions in Camden insisted on, then you have to find a detour. And that's what we've done.